A new feature of Oakwood University’s celebration of Black History Month is awarding Community Heroes for their dedicated and innovative contributions to Huntsville and Madison County, Alabama.
William Hampton is the founder of the popular Huntsville Revisited Facebook page. The Huntsville Revisited feature is also broadcast on WJOU 90.1 FM every weekday morning at 7:40 and afternoon at 1:30. Moments in history are shared, as well as profiles of history makers, some famous, others not so famous.
Dr. Virginia Caples is the first female interim president of Alabama A&M University. She not only led the university once but was chosen twice to stabilize and provide continuity during years of transition. Alabama A&M has honored her commitment to excellence by creating the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Alabama A&M University.
Hundley Batts is a Huntsville native who has leveraged his business prowess to uplift and empower his community. His work as an entrepreneur has provided jobs, internships, and financial advice for thousands of families and has garnered him recognition and trust in the banking and finance industries.
In 1984, Mr. Batts and Dr. Caples joined forces in the best way – in holy matrimony — and became a force to be reckoned with when they purchased WEUP Radio station. One station led to the purchase of five stations overall in the region and the creation of the Broadcast One corporation. For years they have supported the African American community with the annual Black Arts Festival, cultural events, and numerous other endeavors for the Tennessee Valley.
Audrey Robinson, ’86 , has the distinction of being the first African-American woman to hold the office of Chief Counsel of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In fact, she is the first black woman to hold the Chief Counsel position at ANY of NASA’s centers. Robinson is often the only person of color and the only woman in many meetings in this world of science and technology. However, one of her proudest achievements is her son, Matthew.